CVE-2022-23739CWE-863

Incorrect authorization check in GitHub Enterprise Server leading to escalation of privileges in GraphQL API requests from GitHub Apps using scoped user-to-server tokens

Critical · published January 17, 2023

CVSS v3.1
9.8
EPSS
1%
Percentile
69.0
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 An incorrect authorization flaw in GitHub Enterprise Server lets apps break the rules and access organization-wide resources they shouldn’t! 🔥 Think of it like giving a hotel maid the master key to all the rooms, even the VIP suites — they can see and change anything, which could lead to some serious chaos if they weren’t supposed to have that access! 🏨 With this vulnerability, an attacker could exploit an app installed on an organization to modify crucial organization-level resources, like user details and project lists, without permission. This could result in unauthorized changes, data exposure, or even tampering with essential organizational processes, putting sensitive information at risk.

Put simply

Think of it like giving a hotel maid the master key to all the rooms, even the VIP suites — they can see and change anything, which could lead to some serious chaos if they weren’t supposed to have that access! 🏨 The vulnerability arises from an incorrect authorization mechanism in the GraphQL API, enabling GitHub Apps to escalate privileges and access organization-level resources far beyond the permissions granted to them. This means apps could manipulate data they shouldn’t have access to, potentially affecting security.

What to do

With this vulnerability, an attacker could exploit an app installed on an organization to modify crucial organization-level resources, like user details and project lists, without permission. This could result in unauthorized changes, data exposure, or even tampering with essential organizational processes, putting sensitive information at risk. To protect your organization, upgrade your GitHub Enterprise Server to version 3.7.1 or any of the patched versions: 3.3.16, 3.4.11, 3.5.8, or 3.6.4. Additionally, review installed GitHub Apps and their permission scopes to ensure they align with your security policies. You've got this! By following these steps, you can lock down your GitHub environment and keep it safe! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
9.8 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.01244 · 69.0th percentile
Weakness
CWE-863 · Incorrect Authorization
Published
2023-01-17T00:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 17 JAN 00:00Z
    Incorrect authorization check in GitHub Enterprise Server leading to escalation of privileges in GraphQL API requests from GitHub Apps using scoped user-to-server tokens
    cvelistv5